I sold my Prairie 700 a few months ago, intending to replace it with a Brute Force. The day after I sold it, the buyer called, explaining that the belt had given (with only 300 miles). I am about to purchase a 2005 Rubicon (to avoid the belt issues), but I have a few questions.

(1) I used my diff lock on the Prairie routinely. Is the Rubicon as formidable with only 3-wheel drive?

(2) Is 500cc enough to tackle steep hills without worry?

(3) Is the engine braking as good on the Ruby as on the Prairie?

(4) Any know tranny problems on the Ruby?

(5) How well does the drum rear brake on the Ruby handle water? and

(6) I intend to purchase the GPS model. Any reviews from experienced users?

thanks in advance.

 

Several people come in the shop with over 10,000 miles on them with no problems.
Very good engin braking, the Rubicon is the only quad I have ever rode that I had to give it gas to go down a hill.
The rear brakes seem to be trouble free they are larger than what comes on all the other Hondas.
It may not be the highest tech quad out there but if you want a quad that keeps going year after year it is a good one.

 

1.Diff lock is a nice option but my Rubi seems to get by fine without it. If your a big mud runner you will miss it.
2.The 500cc engine will take you any where you want to go, just not near as fast as your V-twin praire.
3.The engine braking is superb, it rivals my 450 foreman.
4.No problems with mine, it's a great versitile tranny.
5.Some people have trouble with water and mud getting in the drums if they ride in mud and water alot. Mine work fine.
6.No experience with GPS models but seems like a nice feature.

 

I just bought a 06 a month ago. I love it but not near the power as my Grizz had before. But the best thing is I will never be without a quad again. Its very reliable. My bro has a 01 Ruby he purchased new, it has over 3K on it and not one prob. It does great in the woods, you know you can only go so fast. So you should be able to keep up with most.

 

Have you thought about getting a Rincon?
I keep going back and forth between getting a 2005 Rubicon and the 2006 Rincon. The advantages of the Rubicon being the good engine braking, transmission and low gear. The advantages of the Rincon being the fuel injection, 675cc engine and independent rear suspension. But I have read alot of complaints about the Rincon's lack of engine braking and no low gear.
What is everyone's opinion for which would be a better trail riding ATV.
Thanks.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I'd say the Rincon, IF thats ALL you do.

 

RidinHigh

Did you consider the Rincon? If so, why did you go with the Rubicon?

 

swb162, go home.

 

Hey 700cc, if you get a Rubi you're going to have to change your handle to 500cc. Maybe the Rincon is the way to go for you.

 

Just kidding. SWB162 and I are buds, both considering the Rubicon.